It’s Christmas Eve at the Merry Monarch. Nestled amongst the Yorkshire Dales, the pub is preparing to host its annual scavenger hunt for its rabble of regulars. There’s the landlord, Mickey, his wife Sofia and their wayward son, James; local policeman Alex and his supernaturally minded deputy Dan; as well as Sita, Mrs Fazarkaley, the Kapoors and Curtis, who’s never far from his beloved Dog Barkley. Quite the crowd.

And this year, they are interrupted by a knock at the door from Maddie Marlowe, a journalist who was homeward bound to the Scottish Highlands for Christmas – only to be stranded by car failure, and by the snow storm that’s closing in on the village.

But Maddie’s arrival won’t be the only surprise of the night. When the power is cut off and darkness descends, the hunt turns deadly. Maddie and her unexpected Christmas companions must try to find the murderer among them, as it seems one of the group would like to kill.

Praise

‘A brilliant festive whodunnit’
That’s Life

‘As Maddie tries to investigate, constantly looking over her shoulder, you’ll be right beside her in this engrossing whodunnit’
My Weekly

‘A festive thriller to get excited about!… If you’re a fan of Richard Osman then this nail-biting festive thriller is for you’
Chat

‘An hilarious and gripping festive whodunnit’
Manx Independent

‘Cosy crime gets festive’
Women & Home

‘Really good fun’
Best

‘a delightfully festive whodunit that proves to be as funny as it is gripping… Enjoy dining out at the Merry Monarch with a veritable feast of tasty clues, fascinating characters, locked-room intrigue and Albright’s unbeatable brand of northern humour as the snow falls thick and fast and the suspense reaches boiling point. Cosy crime with a delectable Yorkshire flavour!’
The Lancashire Post

‘Any cozy crime fan will be delighted to find this whodunnit in their Christmas stocking’
The Peterborough Telegraph